RV TRAINING PROJECT-1 Questions

[gregsrv14]

1. I have got to the point of riveting the skins to the spar and the rib flanges but I am confused. The instructions say to back-rivet the bottom skin to the spar - which makes sense, if I understand correctly, since the outer side should have the flush, manufactured heads of the 426 rivets.
It also says to use a bucking bar.
Q1: Why not tape all the rivets in place, flip it over, and use my 4"x30"x1/2" steel rivet plate instead of a bucking bar? (This will only work for the first skin, obviously.)

2. However, if the bucking bar or rivet plate is on the outside, the spar is in the way of the rivet set and gun (see sketch), so I cannot get a good head on the shop side (even with the curved set that I have). As a result, the three attempts are not acceptable (asymmetrical, damaged, damage to the spar). (See photos)
Then I tried putting a bucking bar on the inside and using a flush rivet set on the outside (see second sketch). This damaged the skin and I again did not get acceptable results on the shop end.
Q2: How do I go about riveting the skin to the spar?

3. The instructions then say to attach the top skin and that it "will require spreading the trailing edge and reaching in to hold the bucking bar". Clearly, I won't be able to get the rivet set and gun inside at that point.
Q3: How do I go about attaching the second skin?

 

[wirejock]

Greg
Welcome to a fellow Coloradoan.

I don't recall the project exactly, but it is intended to be similar to a control surface. Seems like it's similar to a sandwich style rudder.
Stiffeners would be riveted to the skins first. Typically a back rivet job.
Spar riveted next. Gun outside, bar inside.
AEX wedge next. Back rivet.
Finally bending the leading edges.

Much easier if you find a local mentor and build it with some supervision. Happy to help if you want to visit Estes Park.

 

[RWoodard]

Where are you located in Colorado? Building at home or at an airport? I may be available to help, too.

 

[gregsrv14]

Where are you located in Colorado? Building at home or at an airport? I may be available to help, too.

I'm in Glenwood Springs. Brighton is a bit far, but next time I head to H-Mart in Aurora, I may give you a shout. But thank you!
I'm going to visit someone in Grand Junction today who built an RV-14A, so should get my questions answered.

 

[gregsrv14]

Greg
Welcome to a fellow Coloradoan.

I don't recall the project exactly, but it is intended to be similar to a control surface. Seems like it's similar to a sandwich style rudder.
Stiffeners would be riveted to the skins first. Typically a back rivet job.
Spar riveted next. Gun outside, bar inside.
AEX wedge next. Back rivet.
Finally bending the leading edges.

Much easier if you find a local mentor and build it with some supervision. Happy to help if you want to visit Estes Park.

Greg
Welcome to a fellow Coloradoan.

I don't recall the project exactly, but it is intended to be similar to a control surface. Seems like it's similar to a sandwich style rudder.
Stiffeners would be riveted to the skins first. Typically a back rivet job.
Spar riveted next. Gun outside, bar inside.
AEX wedge next. Back rivet.
Finally bending the leading edges.

Much easier if you find a local mentor and build it with some supervision. Happy to help if you want to visit Estes Park.

I have read many of your posts in here - always great information! Estes Park is a bit far from Glenwood Springs, but next time I head to the Denver area, I may try to arm myself with questions and stop in.
I'm going to visit someone in Grand Junction today who built an RV-14A, so should get back on track.
Thank you!

 

[dgarrelt63303]

Greg,
You already have some great advice above and hopefully someone closer to you will be able to provide more convenient assistance.

I'm an A&P but working in sheet metal was something I had little experience when I started out. Fortunately, I worked at McDonnell Douglas and had a vast amount of professional sheet metal workers that guided me through things. On top of that, I would often bring different A&P's as well as IA's to review my 9 as I was building.

It's great that your reaching out and make sure that's something you continue to do as you go forward.

Have you reached out to a local EAA chapter? That may be an additional way to find someone close that can provide help.

By the way, I've done everything shown in your pictures and worse. Practice and solid advice from those who have been through it before will make you better.

 

[STARGATE]

Were you able to get your questions answered? I'm a beginner myself but I built 2 of those kits in the last 18 months trying to improve my skills. The process was in line with how Wirejock described.

 

[gregsrv14]

Were you able to get your questions answered? I'm a beginner myself but I built 2 of those kits in the last 18 months trying to improve my skills. The process was in line with how Wirejock described.

Yes, thank you. I got some expert help from someone who built an RV-14A 10 years ago. Turns out I tried riveting from the wrong side, holding the rivet gun at an angle, and didn't realize how far back you can, and need to, bend the skin back to get the bucking bar inside.